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By Eric McCrea
By Eric McCrea
Salem
Move over, “Annie,” the Salem Community Theatre is bringing back Broadway’s other orphan. “Oliver!” is a family-friendly musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel “Oliver Twist.”
The young Oliver, played by Micah Stevens, makes the unforgivable mistake of asking for more food and quickly is taken from his orphanage and sold off to the local funeral parlor. Once there, the lad is bullied and runs away, driven to the streets, where he meets pickpocket gang leader Fagin (David Bedell.)
After meeting the Artful Dodger, played by Ben Morgan, Oliver is ready to begin his new career as a thief. However, beginner’s luck does not grace our title character, as he is quickly arrested. When the rest of the gang hears the news of Oliver’s arrest, plots are enacted, with the poor boy in the middle of it all.
Much of the gritty honesty of the original story is stripped away, but in its place are myriad amazing songs. Stevens shines with his solo “Where is Love?” and he has no difficulty carrying the title role.
Morgan delivers all the charisma needed for the well-dressed Dodger. He doesn’t disappoint in the lead voice of the familiar song “Consider Yourself.”
Bedell is gruff but lovable as the pilfering tramp. His voice charms with “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”
Michael Dempsey and Kari Lankford delight with their duet “I Shall Scream” as orphanage managers Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney. Dempsey also is solid with his solo “Boy For Sale.”
Tom Gent and Joanna Andrei were polished as Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, entertaining with their song “That’s Your Funeral,” and both were integral in the physically hilarious funeral parlor scene. Aiding in that fast-paced scene were Zachary Bernat as Noah and Elle George as Charlotte.
Chris Hager was intensely powerful as the villainous Bill Sykes. His song, “My Life,” is chilling to the core.
Jackie Stevens is a standout as Nancy, the ad hoc mother figure to Oliver. She has a beautiful voice with the acting skill to back it up. Her solo, “As Long as He Needs Me,” is moving in more ways than one.
Also noteworthy were Tom Hathorn as Mr. Brownlow, Vicki Rossi as Mrs. Bedwin, and Lori George in the fun role of Old Sally.
A strong ensemble rounded out a cast with overflowing talent. Large chorus numbers, choreographed by Andrei, were quite an undertaking, considering the cast of almost 50 included more than 20 youth actors.
Director Mark Frost also designed an impressive set, which made great use of the space, and was able to transform with quiet ease.
Though this sugar-coated version of industrial England might not be a die-hard Dickens fan’s cup of tea, an incredible cast is sure to entertain with their incredible singing.
“Oliver!” runs today, next Sunday and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Aug. 14 and 15. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.